Tangle Eye: A New Take on Lomax
Record Label Producers Remix Folklorist's Archival Recordings
CD cover of 'Alan Lomax's Southern Journey Remixed.' hide caption
Some of Alan Lomax's old field recordings are getting a surprising makeover.
The Library of Congress recently acquired the personal archives of the late folklorist Lomax, including thousands of hours of sound recordings. Rounder Records also has access to the recordings and is in the process of releasing a 100-CD collection of the music.
Compare Old and New
Lomax Recordings, Tangle Eye Remixes
'I Wished I Was in Heaven' Mississippi Fred McDowell 'Heaven' 'I'm Going Home' Ervin Webb and Prisoners 'Home' 'Pharoah' Mrs. Sydney Carter 'Drownded'
Scott Billington of Rounder has put a new spin on some of Lomax's rich musical archive. Billington and producer Steve Reynolds, using the name Tangle Eye, remixed the original recordings, added new instrumentation and beats to the powerful voices Lomax captured on tape years ago. The CD is titled Alan Lomax's Southern Journey Remixed.
The two producers tracked the album in New Orleans with the help of Meters bassist George Porter, Jr., bluesman Corey Harris, banjo player Tony Trischka, guitarist Jeff Raines and trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis.